Manchester United beat Ipswich Town 5-2 at Old Trafford on Sunday to claim their first Premier League win of the season.
Bruno Fernandes led the way with a brilliant hat-trick. Bryan Mbeumo also scored, while Ipswich defender Jacob Greaves added an own goal.
Leif Davis and Chuba Akpom found the net for Ipswich. However, United controlled the second half and secured a convincing victory.
The result gives Michael Carrick’s side a major boost after their opening-weekend defeat to Hull City. Ipswich, meanwhile, must respond after beating Sunderland in their first match.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Robert Bore reviews a dramatic afternoon in Manchester.
Carrick Rings the Changes
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick made several changes after the disappointing opening weekend.
Lisandro Martínez, Diogo Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo returned to the starting XI. Marcus Rashford also made his first United start since December 2024.
Ipswich arrived at Old Trafford with three points already on the board. Gary O’Neil kept the same starting XI after the win over Sunderland.
The visitors also had 6ft 9in goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen between the posts.
United needed a response. The players looked determined to provide one.
Scrappy Start in Manchester
The match began at a fast pace, with both teams creating early chances.
Dalot produced United’s first major opportunity. He cut inside from the right and curled a shot towards the far corner.
Scherpen reacted quickly and tipped the effort over the bar.
Ipswich then launched a counter-attack. Julio Enciso raced forward before forcing Senne Lammens into a save.
Marcus Rashford almost connected with Matheus Cunha’s cross but could not get the final touch.
The hosts continued to attack, although Ipswich remained dangerous on the break.
Daizen Maeda later found space behind the United defence. His shot across goal forced another save from Lammens.
Bruno Fernandes then stepped up for a free-kick from around 22 yards. His effort, however, hit the wall.
United controlled possession but still looked vulnerable when Ipswich countered.
Ipswich Take the Lead
Ipswich eventually found the breakthrough.
Abdul Fatawu beat Luke Shaw on the flank before cutting the ball back across the box.
Leif Davis kept his finish low and gave Ipswich the lead.
Davis almost doubled the advantage moments later. Fatawu again created space and delivered another dangerous cross.
This time, Lammens managed to keep the ball out.
United needed a response before half-time. They finally found one after Marcelino Núñez slipped on the wet pitch.
Cunha quickly collected the loose ball and played Fernandes through on goal.
The United captain moved towards the right side of the box before firing past Scherpen.
His finish made it 1-1 and gave United renewed momentum.
Both teams continued to create chances before the break. United had more possession, but Ipswich remained dangerous on the counter-attack.
United Take Control After Half-Time
United started the second half with greater control.
Rashford almost put the hosts ahead after connecting with Dalot’s deep cross. He sent the ball back across the box, but Mbeumo hit the post from close range.
United soon took the lead in controversial fashion.
Harry Maguire appeared to handle the ball while battling for possession near the edge of the box. He then got a shot away.
The effort deflected off Ipswich defender Jacob Greaves and went into the net.
Ipswich appealed for a handball, but VAR ruled that Maguire’s contact was accidental.
The decision allowed United to take a 2-1 lead.
The hosts quickly increased the pressure again. Mainoo carried the ball forward before finding Cunha inside the box.
Greaves brought Cunha down, and the referee awarded a penalty.
Fernandes Completes His Hat-Trick
Fernandes stepped up and calmly converted from the spot.
The penalty made it 3-1 and gave United a two-goal cushion.
United continued to control the game as Ipswich struggled to match their attacking pressure.
Fernandes remained at the centre of United’s attacking play. His passing and movement helped the hosts maintain control.
Mbeumo Adds a Fifth
The hosts added another goal with eight minutes remaining.
Fernandes produced an excellent pass over the Ipswich defence. Mbeumo raced through and lifted the ball over Scherpen.
The ball struck the post before bouncing back towards the goal.
It eventually crossed the line despite Greaves’ attempt to clear it.
United moved 5-1 ahead and looked certain to secure their first league victory of the season.
Ipswich did manage a second goal during added time.
Martínez lost possession to Enciso, who quickly found Akpom. The substitute finished from close range to make it 5-2.
United saw out the remaining minutes to secure a convincing victory.
Glimpse Into the Future
The 5-2 victory gives Manchester United an important boost after their opening-weekend defeat.
Fernandes played the leading role with three goals, while Mbeumo also made a major contribution.
Carrick will now hope the result provides momentum for the next Premier League fixtures.
Ipswich, meanwhile, must recover quickly after suffering their first defeat of the season.
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